Stretching in Recovery
As an addictions therapist working in a Utah substance abuse treatment center, I have seen how Cold Creek’s recovery programs that work. One of the most successful clients I have had the pleasure of working with found that stretching was one of his most important recovery tools.
When this client was feeling stressed, pressured, or was just starting his day, he would stretch for up to half an hour at a time while breathing deeply and listening to calming music. He found that it helped him feel refreshed, energized and with higher spirits.
In recovery from addiction, the body works towards healing and repairing itself. All cells in the body, including muscle cells, can be impacted by the drug use. Muscles can become tight, weak, atrophied, and or stiff.
Stretching in recovery can be a great way to help increase flexibility, improve inert strength, and increase oxygen flow. For that reason, it is important to breathe deeply while you stretch.
Set yourself up in a comfortable place, preferably on a soft carpet or an exercise mat. Pay attention to each of the muscle groups as you work your way up the body, stretching slowly and gently. You can play some restful music while you do your stretching, to further increase your benefits from the stretching. If you don’t know how, consider getting a video that guides you through it.
Stretching can happen in concert with meditation, as you recite calming and uplifting thoughts to yourself, while you stretch. It can provide a welcome break from the stress of daily life in recovery and can even improve your overall stress level throughout the day.
Stretching in recovery can be a positive and powerful tool for your recovery toolbox. If you listen to your body when you are feeling tense, you can even avoid a relapse with stretching. Remember that in recovery, it is the tools that work best for you that are most important. If stretching helps you to feel relaxed and recharged, you will do well to make it a consistent part of your recovery routine. Mediation, stretching and guided breathing exercises are an important part of the rehab programs at Cold Creek. Call today for more information 1-877-593-6777.
